evolution

noun

Sayev-uh-LOO-shuhn/ˌɛvəˈluʃ(ə)n/AUS/ɛvəˈlʉːʃən/UKee-vuh-LOO-shuhn/ˌiːvəˈluːʃ(ə)n/

11 meanings of evolution

1
nouncountable or uncountable
The slow change in living things over many generations, as new traits build up and pass down.
Like a recipe that changes a little each time it is passed on, until the dish becomes something new.
Evolution explains why animals slowly change to fit their surroundings.
Over millions of years, evolution shaped the long neck of the giraffe.
Note
2
nouncountable or uncountable
A slow change in something over time, often moving from a simple form to a more complex one.
Like a small stream that slowly grows into a wide river.
The evolution of the smartphone took only a few decades.
We watched the evolution of the project from a rough sketch to a finished plan.
Similardevelopment, progression, growth, transformation, progress
Oppositeregression, decline
Note
3
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of working out an idea or argument fully, bringing into the open what was once hidden in it.
Like unfolding a folded map until you can see the whole picture.
The evolution of her argument became clear by the final chapter.
His essay shows a careful evolution of one simple idea.
Similardevelopment, unfolding, elaboration, progression
Note
4
nouncountable
A movement that takes a person or thing from one position to another.
In one quick evolution, the dancers moved from the back of the stage to the front.
The swimmers' evolutions in the pool changed their circle into two straight lines.
Similarmaneuver, movement, manoeuvre
Note
5
nouncountable or uncountable
A turning or twisting motion of the body, such as in dance or gymnastics.
Like a spinning top turning in place.
The dancer's slow evolution across the stage drew applause.
Each evolution in the routine flowed smoothly into the next.
Similarturn, rotation, spin, twirl
Note
6
nouncountable or uncountable
A planned movement of soldiers or ships into new positions.
Like players on a field moving together to take new spots.
The fleet's evolution brought every ship into a single line.
The general ordered a quick evolution to flank the enemy.
Similarmaneuver, movement
Note
7
nouncountable or uncountable
The giving off of gas, such as the bubbles released during a chemical reaction.
Like the fizz that rises when you drop a tablet into water.
The evolution of gas showed that the reaction was working.
You could see the evolution of bubbles as the tablet dissolved.
Similaremission, release, liberation
Oppositeabsorption
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of evolution apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin ēvolūtiō, meaning the act of unrolling or unfolding a book. It comes from ēvolvō, "to unroll," made from ex plus volvō, "to roll."